Gerda Approved Installer · FENSA Registered
Gerda OPTIMA
The value-tier RC3-upgrade-eligible residential steel security door in the Gerda range. RC2 standard under BS EN 1627:2011 with RC3 upgrade available — at least 5 minutes resistance to sustained heavy-tool attack. Same up to 12-point multi-point locking, anti-snap cylinder, hot-dip galvanised steel construction and 200+ RAL colour finishes as the higher Gerda tiers, at a more accessible price step. The choice when RC3 burglar resistance is the priority but the absolute thermal premium of THERMO PREMIUM isn't required. Vitrum Solutions installs Gerda OPTIMA across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Hampshire.
OPTIMA Specifications
Range
Gerda OPTIMA — value tier, RC3 upgrade-eligible
Security Standard
BS EN 1627:2011 RC2 standard, RC3 upgrade available
RC3 Resistance
5+ minutes sustained heavy-tool attack
Locking
Up to 12-point multi-point + anti-snap/drill/pick cylinder
Why OPTIMA
RC3-eligible value tier
OPTIMA is the more accessible RC3-upgrade-eligible Gerda residential range. The other RC3-eligible range is THERMO PREMIUM, which sits higher in the Gerda hierarchy on thermal insulation core construction and standard hardware spec. Choose OPTIMA when RC3 burglar resistance is the priority but the absolute thermal/finish premium of THERMO PREMIUM isn't required for the project.
RC3 upgrade — sustained heavy-tool attack resistance
RC3 (BS EN 1627:2011) certifies a door against a sustained, deliberate attack by an experienced burglar with heavy tools — crowbars, hammers, drills — for at least 5 minutes. RC2 (the OPTIMA standard certification) covers casual opportunistic attacks. The RC3 upgrade is the spec to choose when the property is in a higher-risk area or the homeowner specifically wants insurance-grade premium security.
Same multi-point locking as the higher tiers
OPTIMA shares the same multi-point locking spec as ALTUS, THERMO PREMIUM and THERMO PRIME — up to 12-point locking with hardened steel hookbolts, opposing hinge-side pins, anti-snap/anti-drill/anti-pick cylinder (TS007 3-star equivalent), anti-spread plates around the lock and hinge sides. The locking hardware is consistent across the range; what differs between tiers is door thickness, insulation layer count and certification.
Reinforced steel construction
OPTIMA uses the same 1.2-2.0mm galvanised steel panel construction as the higher Gerda tiers, with internal stiffeners, anti-bow reinforcements and a steel-clad jamb. The full door leaf is built around a continuous steel frame (not a steel skin bonded to a timber core like cheaper alternatives) and the steel is hot-dip galvanised before powder coating so the underlying corrosion resistance is the same regardless of tier.
200+ RAL colours plus wood-effect transfers
Same external finish range as the higher tiers — any RAL Classic colour with optional structured/matt/satin finish. Wood-effect transfers (oak, walnut, anthracite woodgrain) on request, indistinguishable from premium composite at conversational distance. Glazed sidelights, bullseye lights and panelled designs available.
Get a free quote for Gerda OPTIMA Steel Security Door
Free no-obligation written quote. Fast response times. FENSA registered with a 10-year CPA insurance-backed guarantee. Serving Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Hertfordshire & West London.
Other Gerda Ranges
OPTIMA is the value-tier RC3 upgrade option. The other three Gerda residential ranges trade off thermal vs security vs price differently.
Gerda OPTIMA — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gerda OPTIMA?
OPTIMA is the value-tier RC3-eligible residential steel security door in the Gerda range. RC2 standard certification under BS EN 1627:2011 with RC3 upgrade available, up to 12-point multi-point locking, multi-layer thermal insulation core, and 200+ RAL colour options including wood-effect transfers. The choice when RC3 burglar resistance is the priority but the absolute thermal performance of the higher-tier ranges isn't worth the price step.
How does OPTIMA compare to THERMO PREMIUM?
Both are RC3-upgrade-eligible Gerda ranges. THERMO PREMIUM positions higher in the Gerda hierarchy — better thermal insulation core construction (more multi-layer insulation depth) and a wider standard-spec hardware range. OPTIMA is the more accessible RC3 spec — same locking, same RC3 certification eligibility, same powder-coat finish range, but a more value-positioned construction tier. Choose THERMO PREMIUM where every detail matters; choose OPTIMA where RC3 certification is the deciding factor.
Why not just choose ALTUS or THERMO PRIME?
Both are RC2 standard only — neither supports the RC3 upgrade. If RC3 burglar resistance is a requirement (insurance underwriter spec, higher-risk area, peace-of-mind decision), the choice is between OPTIMA and THERMO PREMIUM. ALTUS wins on thermal performance (88mm thick, U-value 0.74-0.81 W/m²K) but is RC2 only; THERMO PRIME is the 75mm RC2 mid-spec. The RC3 upgrade availability is the structural feature that distinguishes OPTIMA / THERMO PREMIUM from the rest of the Gerda residential range.
Will my insurer recognise OPTIMA RC3?
Yes — RC3 (BS EN 1627:2011) is the security rating UK insurers look for at the strictest end of premium home insurance specifications. Several insurers (Hiscox, Chubb, AIG Private Client) explicitly require or discount for RC3-rated doors on the front entrance of premium properties. OPTIMA with the RC3 upgrade satisfies these specifications. We supply the BS EN 1627 test certificate as part of the installation documentation.
Does the RC3 upgrade change OPTIMA's appearance?
No — the RC3 upgrade is achieved via the locking mechanism (additional hookbolt density), the cylinder spec, the steel reinforcement geometry and anti-spread plate coverage. The visible external door face is identical: same RAL powder-coated finish, same panel designs, same sidelight/glazing options, same hardware finishes. From the kerb a RC3 OPTIMA looks identical to a RC2 standard OPTIMA.
How does OPTIMA compare to a Palladio composite door?
OPTIMA's RC2 standard certification — and especially the RC3 upgrade — provides meaningfully more security than Palladio's PAS 24:2022 baseline. Thermal performance is also strong (multi-layer insulation core matches premium composite). Where Palladio wins is design flexibility (decorative glazed centre panels, full glass-surround configurations, woodgrain texture) at a more accessible price point. Choose OPTIMA RC3 for insurance-grade security; choose Palladio for the heritage/contemporary composite-door aesthetic.
Are you a Gerda Approved Installer for OPTIMA?
Yes — Vitrum Solutions is one of the few UK installers of Gerda steel security doors. We supply and fit the full Gerda residential range including OPTIMA RC3 upgrade spec, with FENSA registration and a 10-year CPA insurance-backed guarantee on top of Gerda's manufacturer warranty. Structural opening survey, weather detailing and finish making-good are all carried out by our own team (relevant on heavier steel doors where opening prep matters).
Other Systems We Install
We supply and fit the full premium-brand glazing range across the Home Counties. Compare specifications and pricing across our brand hubs.
Cortizo
Premium Spanish aluminium
Visit Cortizohub →Schuco
German aluminium systems
Visit Schucohub →Rehau
A-rated uPVC profiles
Visit Rehauhub →Palladio
Irish monocoque composite doors
Visit Palladiohub →Korniche
UK-made aluminium roof lanterns
Visit Kornichehub →SteelR
UK-made RC4 bespoke steel front doors
Visit SteelRhub →Quote for a Gerda OPTIMA RC3?
Free quote · FENSA registered · 10-year CPA insurance-backed guarantee
Request a Free Quote